I used to vibrate night and day
and tighten up my bow
to make it easier to play
with steely strings in tow.
I loved a chorus hundreds strong
for Bach’s and Handel’s scene,
until one day you came along
and tuned to Four..Fif..Teen…
REFRAIN:HIPP-HIPP Hooray for Historically Informed Performance,
It's not too late to be an early-music gal.
My playing's up to date, whether 1698
or a 19th century musical locale.
I've learned the ways of the days that came before us,
from tired traditions I have been set free.
What once was old is new, and now I'm telling you
the past is where the future lies with me.
I sold my Steinway late last year
cause I prefer to drive
a double-manual clavier:
It makes me feel alive!
I improvise and ornament
and realize figured bass,
and realize I’ve been heaven-sent
back to that time and place.
REFRAIN
I can't count the countertenors
I've had over to my place.
I can't deal with all those sinners
who think wobbling equals grace.
Don't believe that propaganda
the Romantics left behind.
A theorbo or da gamba
is romantic in my mind.
REFRAIN
Notes inégales are just my style
My rhythms fairly dance
I would’ve been so versatile
In 17th century France.
We’ve tuned our hearts authentically
to temperaments just and mean;
and now I know that every key
sounds best at 415.
MM's Magical Multimedia Musing Machine
has landed.
What was MM musing about?
Read the original post
